Urge to go to the toilet all day

I have a bladder problem. Since last summer, I feel like I have to go to the toilet all day.

There is often a burning feeling. I have had tests in hospital and its the same, after antibiotics, etc. I’m 67.

A. This sounds like a urinary tract infection (UTI), but it is unusual that the tests and the antibiotics have not clarified the issue. Women are prone to bladder infection, when the pelvic floor muscles have weakened (which occurs during pregnancy and childbirth, but can happen as a result of ageing).

A cause of UTIs is the cross-contamination between bacteria from the anus with bacteria from the vagina — this is why we are taught to wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Ordinarily, I would suggest you have your urine tested for bacterial infection, but if you have had tests in the hospital, and this would surely have been done. A simple change of antibiotics may resolve it. Or your problem may not be bacterial.

Candida imbalance is often implicated in the case of UTIs that just will not shift. The other possibility is that the issue is physiological. I would suggest that you take a combination of herbs to help strengthen and soothe the bladder and urinary tract, along with specific dietary guidelines to help the body heal. Uva ursi (bearberry) combined with marshmallow root should help.

Brew this combination as a cold infusion (use around two tablespoons of dried herb per pint of water), and drink 1-2 pints throughout the day. Drink plenty of water, between 2-3 litres daily, to help flush your system. If you experience no relief after two weeks get in touch with me again.

As far as dietary recommendations go, you must avoid combining fats with sugars in the same meal. This combination is thought to trigger candida overgrowth, along with the consumption of processed foods and beverages. Fresh seasonal wholefoods are your best choice.

To support your healthy intestinal flora, particularly following a course of antibiotics, you will need to take a high quality probiotic. Biocare, Solgar, and Seven Seas are all reputable brands, and you may also want to consider the candida-specific preparations Three- and Five-Lac.

¦ I have a problem with blood pressure and am on medication. Is it safe to also take magnesium supplements? Also are there any alternative therapies I could try to help the hypertension.

A. The short answer is no. Without knowing what specific medication you are on, I cannot make a safe recommendation, but since magnesium helps to decrease blood pressure, the combination of this with blood pressure meds can cause your blood pressure to drop too low, too rapidly.

Participants in the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Study lowered their blood pressure by 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic) by adding cucumbers to their daily diets, along with other foods high in potassium, magnesium and fibre, plus low-fat dairy, seafood, lean meats, and poultry.

In terms of alternative therapies, homocysteine levels are considered to be a more accurate way of measuring heart health and cardiovascular risk than cholesterol or blood pressure. Homocysteine is an amino acid produced in the body during the breakdown of methionine, which damages the artery lining by restricting the diameter and elasticity of the vessels.

Simply increasing your intake of oily fish, eating plenty of seeds and nuts, and getting your five servings a day of fresh fruit and vegetables will have a positive effect on your homocysteine levels. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid can also help to lower homocysteine levels.

Have your GP check your homocysteine levels, or do it yourself with a Homocysteine Test Kit, €109 from YorkTest (www.ireland.yorktest.com; 01- 2022701).